Experimental Arteriopathy Induced in the Rabbit Through Rat Aorta Homogenate Injections: A Study of the Aortic Tissue Specificity

Abstract

An arteriopathy may be induced in the rabbit by an injection of homologous or heterologous aorta homogenates [1]. Such lesions coincide with the presence of circulating antibodies and of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction toward the injected antigen. In particular, rat aorta homogenate injections [2] are those which induce most constantly extensive and damaging lesions, and also the highest levels of circulating antibodies. It has been considered necessary to check whether this arteriopathy is specifically connected with the aorta homogenate injection, or whether, on the contrary, it may be merely a nonspecific answer taking place in the course of tissue or nontissue immunization.